Elkhorn pool, Woods School referenda on ballot

wo referenda will be on the ballot Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013. In Elkhorn, voters have an advisory referendum on the pool at Sunset Park. Residents of the Woods Elementary School District will vote on a $5.5 million project to expand and renovate the school.

Elkhorn pool

The pool was built more than 40 years ago in Sunset Park. It has needed numerous repairs over the years, including a repair project done about 12 years ago that was designed to extend the life of the pool by 10 years, according to the city newsletter.

The Nov. 5 referendum question posed to voters reads: "Should the city council replace the swimming facility at Sunset Park with a new facility with the following conditions: (1) spending and/or borrowing on the facility is not to exceed $3.5 million and; (2) The facility will be built within the corporate limits of the city of Elkhorn?"

The city council is not bound by the referendum results.

The following items would likely be among the minimum requirements for a new facility: zero-depth entry, an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pool and bath house, six competitive swimming lanes and starting blocks, a dual-sided concession stand to serve pool and park activities, a diving area, an extended deck and a slide.

Voting will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at the city recreation center in Sunset Park.

Woods School

The expansion would add six classrooms and a gymnasium and renovate the kitchen to allow the school to offer a lunch program.

The project also would reconfigure the entrance to direct visitors through the main office to gain access to the building.

The cost would increase taxes by $56 for a $100,000 home.

The wording of the referendum: Shall the Joint School District number 4, Towns of Geneva and Linn, Walworth County, Wisconsin be authorities to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,550,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of constructing additions to and remodeling and improvement projects at the District building, including safety an security upgrades; and acquiring equipment, furnishings and fixtures?

Town of Geneva residents can vote at Geneva Town Hall from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Town of Linn residents can vote at Chapel on the Hill from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 5.